“You don’t even know me!”
“You’re right, I don’t.And that’s my fault.I couldn’t be there when you needed me, and that’s something I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life.But I do want to be there for you now, if you’ll let me?”
“I already told you what I need from you.Financial help to make my miserable life a little better.And for you to show me that I’m your top priority, by getting rid of the girlfriend, like I asked.”
I ran a shaky hand over my wet hair, trying to find the words to diffuse this situation.I needed time to come up with an alternative that wouldn’t cost me either of them.
“Well?This is a now or never thing, Taz.I won’t ask you again.And I won’t give you another chance.”
“Fine,” I whispered, trying to ignore the ache in my chest.“I’m on the road now, but I need to see you when I get back.”
“So, you’ll break up with her?”
“You’re not giving me a choice, are you?”I never imagined my own daughter would be the one to destroy my life, but since I’d destroyed hers, I supposed that made us even.And maybe that had been her intent.To hurt me the way I’d hurt her.
“No, I’m not.Glad you see things my way.”
I couldn’t even respond to that.I was disgusted.With myself.For being a man who could find himself in this position… having to choose between the love of my life and the daughter I’d never even met.
“Text me when you get back and I’ll swing by your place.Maybe we can get a pizza or something?”
“Yeah, sure.”I’ll do that… right after I destroy the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
ChapterNineteen
Grace
I was so excited.Taz was finally coming home tonight, and I was using the spare key he’d given me before he left to surprise him with his favorite dinner.Homemade lasagna with fresh bread, tossed salad, and chocolate mousse for dessert.
But the cherry on top I hoped would be my outfit.Simple, but sexy.A black pencil skirt, fitted black tank, a lacy red thong and matching bra with a bow.
He’d been distant on the phone the past couple of weeks, but after I learned my Budinski sister called him out for not using condoms, I wasn’t surprised.I’d tried to talk to him about it, but he insisted it was a conversation he wanted to have face-to-face, so I relented.
I flattened my palm against my stomach, trying to settle the butterflies when I heard his key in the lock.I stood far enough away from the door, so I wouldn’t catch him off guard, and elicit an unwanted reaction.
He looked worn out as he dropped his bags just inside the door and heaved a sigh before hurling his keys against the wall and growling a string of vulgar profanities.
“Taz,” I whispered, stunned.“What’s wrong?”
“Grace!What the hell are you doing here?Who let you in?”
I felt tears of embarrassment sting my eyes, but I refused to give into them.“I’m sorry.”I held up the single key on a ring I’d left on the kitchen island.“I used this to let myself in.I just wanted to make you a nice dinner, to welcome you home.”
His eyes travelled over me slowly before he sank against the wall and tipped his head back.“You shouldn’t have done that.”
“I didn’t mean to bother you.”Shame washed over me as I snatched my purse off the stool.“I’m sorry, I’ll go.If you get hungry later, the lasagna is still warm in the oven.”
“Damn it, I’m the one who should be sorry.”He grabbed my wrist when I tried to pass him.“I can’t let you leave like this.”
The look in his eyes scared me.Defeat.Resignation.I couldn’t pinpoint it, but it didn’t bode well for us.“You must be tired.I should have thought of that.Why don’t you just get a good night’s sleep and we can talk tomorrow.”
“No.”He released his hold on me.“If I don’t say it now, I’ll lose my nerve.”
I’d never known Taz to be afraid of anything: except maybe the powerlessness of falling in love.
“Okay, I’m listening.”I told myself to remain calm, be objective.Slip into therapist mode.Whatever he had to say, I told myself I could handle it.
“Have you been following me on social media?”
